The Algarve might be famous for its beaches — but trust us, the food deserves just as much love. Here, seafood is a standard request: think clams cooked in garlic and white wine (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato), freshly grilled fish straight off the boat, and cataplanas bubbling with flavour.

From low-key to fine dining destinations, here are some of our favourite places to eat in the region. All tested, tasted, and now shared with you.

Small and quietly cool, with a focus on honest eating, thinking, and drinking. The best trio. Also big hosts to a curated selection of events with partners.

Not in the tourist brochures, and all the better for it. In this earthy Alentejo-style cooking expect generous servings, warm service, and a family ambiance.

Tucked away near the fortress, this is where Sagres locals go for real-deal seafood. Generous portions, grilled perfection, and the freshest catch in town.

Two Michelin stars. Ocean views. Food that looks like art. Come for a special occasion — or make it one.

Cosy, casual, and consistently excellent. Petiscos with personality, wine with no pretension. A local favourite.

A new-school fine-dining spot with roots in local produce and tradition. Tasting menus that surprise and ingredients that sing. Faro’s answer to modern Algarve cuisine.

Every foodie in Portugal has been there. For the best reasons. Creative takes on Algarve classics, with one foot in the sea and the other in Noélia’s genius. Important note: reserve ahead.

A slow-food kind of place. Choose from lagoon, sea or earth (or all mixed up). One of those hidden gems you only hear about from locals. And now, us.

Rui’s is a seafood institution. Packed tanks, coastal classics, legendary rice stews, and the unmistakable sound of hammers cracking crab claws. Loud, fast, fresh — just the way we like it.

Up in the hills, down-to-earth in spirit. A place where time slows and pork speeds up. Rustic food, open fire, and mountain views worth the wait.

As local as it gets. Homemade dishes with church bells in the background. Trust the kitchen, but also trust us and try the oysters.

No frills, just fresh fish, grilled simply and served with a smile. A classic beachside joint with honest cooking and big portions. Get there early — it fills up fast.

The beach shack of legends. Gigi serves grilled fish like no one else, and does it in the best way: with the Atlantic on the side.

A neighbourhood spot with a seaside spirit. Fish is grilled to perfection, and the prices make you double-check the bill. Winning combo.

Outside balcony, golden sand, and grilled fish that tastes like Summer. The kind of place you go “for lunch” and leave at sunset. Bonus points for the freshly poured cocktails.

Neapolitan pizza, Algarve edition. Proper dough, proper oven, proper flavour. When you’ve had enough of fish (it happens), this is where you go to carb up and cool down.